The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Benue State Chapter, has expressed serious concerns over the challenges facing private schools and the broader education sector in the state.
In a communiqué addressed to the Executive Governor of Benue State, and made available to journalists during a press conference at the NUJ House, Makurdi on Thursday, NAPPS emphasized that private schools are partners, not adversaries of government, and any policy undermining them harms learners, parents, and educational outcomes. The association demands fairness, legality, due process, and stakeholder consultation in all engagements affecting private schools.
Hon. Ada Sunday Ojo, State Chairman of NAPPS, pinpointed the ongoing institutional tug-of-war between the Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management and the Benue State Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEB) as a major concern. He noted that the stalemate has spawned contradictory directives and regulatory ambiguity, leaving private schools in limbo, adding that NAPPS is therefore urging the state government to intervene, resolve the deadlock, and establish clear lines of authority.
NAPPS also condemns the compulsory collection of N30,000 by BEQAEB for recertification of schools already certified by the Ministry of Education, calling it illegal and lacking statutory backing. The association demands a refund of all monies paid for recertification.
Furthermore, NAPPS objects to multiple levies imposed by BEQAEB, including e-dossier fees, workshop levies, and ICT levies, which are not anchored on any law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The association also expresses concern over administrative inefficiencies at BEQAEB, citing persistent hostility, arrogance, and lack of professionalism by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Terna Francis. NAPPS recommends the redeployment of the Executive Secretary and calls for an urgent Benue State Education Summit to address these challenges.
“NAPPS expresses deep concern over the administrative conduct and operational inefficiencies of the Executive Secretary of BEQAEB, Dr. Terna Francis, as evidenced by: Persistent hostility, arrogance, and lack of professionalism toward school proprietors. Fixing BECE examinations as early as April, denying learners adequate third term learning. Impractically short timelines for BECE registration.
“Non-release of MOCK examination results from the previous academic year. High fee charges for BECE and MOCK examinations registration, compared to neighbouring states as follows: Kaduna N5,000, Cross River 3,000, Nassarawa 3,500, Plateau 5,700, Kano N4,700, Taraba N4,500, Kwara 4,500, Oyo 1,200, Niger 4,500, Kogi 5,000.
“NAPPS observes that BEQAEB has unlawfully assumed responsibility for WAEC clearance, contrary to WAEC’s official directive that such clearance remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. NAPPS demands that WAEC clearance be immediately reverted to the Ministry”
According to the Chairman, the association said if its demands are not met within a week, it threatens to declare a total shutdown of private schools, boycott state-directed examinations, and seek redress in court.
NAPPS reiterates its readiness to partner with the Benue State Government to achieve a stable, lawful, and learner-centred education system, anchored on dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect.
For the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration in Benue State, the early registration fee is ₦10,250 (including bank charges). This rate applies until February 3, 2026, after which the statutory fee reverts to ₦18,250. Schools may charge an additional maximum of ₦5,000 for handling.
